Device and method for lung treatment

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to the treatment of a patient&#39;s lung, for example, a lung exhibiting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in particular to methods and devices for affecting lung volume reduction, preferably for achieving acute or immediate lung volume reduction following treatment. The lung volume reduction is effected by delivering a condensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature to the desired regions of the patient&#39;s lung to damage tissue therein. Blood flow and air flow to the damaged tissue region is essentially terminated, rendering the target region non-functional. Alternative energy sources may be used to effect the thermal damage to the lung tissue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/073,660,filed Mar. 28, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/281,212, filed Nov. 16, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,913,698; whichapplication claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.60/628,451, filed Nov. 16, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No.60/648,036, filed Jan. 27, 2005, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, forexample, the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD).In particular this invention relates to systems, devices and methods foraffecting lung volume reduction for the treatment of COPD, such asemphysema.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitisand emphysema. COPD is generally characterized by airflow obstruction,which in particular limits the patient's air flow during expiration.Patients with chronic bronchitis have chronic cough with sputumproduction leading to obstructed expiration. In patients with emphysema,destruction of lung parenchyma can lead to loss of elastic recoil,reduced tethering of the airways, obstruction to expiration, and cough.

Lung function as well as quality of life in patients suffering with aCOPD can be improved by reducing a patient's effective lung volume. Oneway to reduce effective lung volume is by surgically removing diseasedportions of the lungs, both to promote expansion of the non-diseasedregions, realign a patient's digraph and to redirect inhaled air fromdiseased portions of lungs into healthier, better functioning lungregions. Surgery often results in effective volume reduction of about15-30%, which may not be sufficient to cause an appreciable improvementin lung function. Also, conventional lung reduction surgery istraumatic, even when thorascopic procedures are employed.

Recently, bronchoscopic approaches for reducing effective lung volumehave been proposed. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,592,594,6,679,264, 6,398,775 and 6,610,043; and U.S. Patent Publications2003/0181922, 2004/0055606, and 2004/0047855. One challenge to achievingeffective lung reduction, particularly in emphysematous lungs, iscollateral ventilation or collateral pathways.

Accordingly, there is a need for devices, methods and systems forreducing effective lung volume without surgery, and also for reducinglung volume in the presence of collateral pathways. The presentinvention is directed to meeting these, as well as other, needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the treatment of a patient's lung, forexample, the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)and other conditions that can be treated by decreasing a patient'seffective lung volume. In particular methods and devices of theinvention relate to treatment for affecting lung volume reduction bydelivering a thermal damaging agent to a targeted region of a patient'slung so that the region is essentially non-functional.

A method of treating a patient's lung includes delivering a thermaldamaging agent to a targeted region of the patient's lung to raise thetemperature of the tissue in the region sufficiently high to the extentthat blood flow and air flow within the targeted region are terminated.Preferably the thermal damaging agent damages at least one of the groupconsisting of tissue defining at least in part an air sac of thetargeted region, tissue of terminal bronchioles in the targeted regionand collateral passageways in the targeted region. The method can alsoinclude occluding an airway of the lung through which the thermaldamaging agent is delivered at a point proximal to where the thermaldamaging agent enters the target region so as to isolate the region andprevent excursions of the thermal damaging agent to areas outside thetarget region.

One preferred method of treating a patient's lungs includes delivering acondensable vapor at a temperature above body temperature at atmosphericpressures to lung tissue of the target region, particularly the tissuedefining at least in part an air sac within the patient's lung.

A device for delivering a thermal damaging agent to a targeted region ofthe patient's lung to raise the temperature of the lung tissue in thetargeted region sufficiently high to render the targeted regionessentially non-functional wherein neither blood flow nor air flowoccurs within the region. The device for delivering a thermal damagingagent includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distalportion, and a thermal damaging agent delivering lumen extending withinat least a distal portion of the shaft. The device has at least onedischarge port in the distal portion of the elongate shaft in fluidcommunication with the thermal damaging agent delivering inner lumen. Athermal damaging agent generator is in fluid communication with thethermal damaging agent delivery lumen in the elongate shaft and isconfigured for generating a thermal damaging agent at a temperatureabove 40° C. to the tissue at the targeted region to render the regionessentially non-functional. Preferably the device also includes anoccluding member disposed on a distal portion of the shaft to occludethe airway passage proximal to the delivery location of the thermaldamaging agent.

In one embodiment the device includes an elongate shaft having aproximal portion, a distal portion, and a vapor delivering inner lumenextending within at least the distal portion of the shaft. The devicehas at least one discharge port in the distal portion of the elongateshaft in fluid communication with the vapor delivering inner lumenconfigured to deliver condensable vapor to the target region. Acondensable vapor generator is provided in fluid communication with thevapor delivering lumen of the elongate shaft for generating acondensable vapor at a temperature above 40° C. to thermally damagetissue at the targeted region sufficiently to terminate blood flow andair flow to the targeted region. Preferably the device also includes anoccluding member disposed on a distal portion of the shaft. Thedelivered condensable vapor is generally about 40° to 80° C., andpreferably is about 50° to about 60° C. The condensable vapor isdelivered to the targeted region for a period of about 5 seconds toabout 10 minutes, preferably about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds.Suitable liquids for forming the condensable vapor includes water basedfluids and perfluorocarbon.

In addition to the treatment of COPD, other conditions can be treated,for example by applying the methods and devices described topre-cancerous lesions, cancer tumors, or lung nodules. As will berecognized by those skilled in the art, reducing the total volume of apatient's lung, especially an emphysematous lung, can be an effectivetreatment for COPD.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a method for treating a patient's lung embodyingfeatures of the invention.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of an air sac and alveoli within thepatient's lung shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the device shown inFIG. 2.

FIG. 3A is a transverse cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG.2, taken along lines 3A-3A.

FIG. 3B is a transverse cross sectional view of the device shown in FIG.2, taken along lines 3B-3B.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partially in perspective, of a systemembodying features of the invention.

FIG. 5A is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to thedevice shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5B is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to thedevice shown in FIG. 2 which has a cartridge for storing vaporizablefluid.

FIG. 5C is an elevational view of a vapor generator connected to thedevice shown in FIG. 2 which is connected to a hand held operator orpistol grip handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for treating a patient's lung 10 embodyingfeatures of the invention that includes delivering a condensable vapor12 to tissue defining an air sac or alveoli 14 within a patient's lung10 at a temperature above body temperature, preferably about 40° C. toabout 80° C., preferably about 50° C. to about 60° C. at atmosphericpressures, so as to damage the tissue of the air sac or alveoli 14, thetissue of terminal bronchioles 16 and tissue of collateral passageways18. Such tissue damage renders the treated region non-functional in thatthe blood flow and air flow in the treated region is terminated. Thetreated region will no longer inflate.

The method includes delivering the condensable vapor through an airway20 of the lung to the targeted lung region. Preferably the airway 20 isa bronchial passageway such as segmental bronchi, and most preferably asub segmental bronchi 20.

The condensable vapor 12 serves to rapidly heat the targeted lung regionas the vapor 12 is delivered and induces tissue collapse, shrinkage,neointima hyperplasia, necrosis and fibrosis (collectively referred toherein as “bioeffects”) of the targeted lung region. Such bioeffectsrender the target lung region non-functioning.

The method may also include applying a vacuum to the targeted regionafter delivery of the condensable vapor to further supplement tissuecontraction and collapse caused by introduction of the condensable vapor12. The vacuum generated in the targeted region is about 1 to about 50mm Hg, preferably about 10 to about 30 mm Hg to effectively collapse thetargeted region. The vacuum may also facilitate aspiration of anyresidual vapor or liquid.

In general the vapor is applied into the targeted region through anairway for anywhere from 5 seconds to 10 minutes or longer. Preferablythe condensable vapor is delivered for a short period of time, about 5seconds to 10 seconds. Because tissue heating and the resulting damageis rapid using energetic vapor, short vapor application times arepreferred. In longer procedures, less vapor may be used to cause gradualtissue bioeffects or to treat larger regions or volumes of tissue.Separate procedures may be utilized for separate regions to be treated.

The condensable vapor 12 maybe generated from a liquid, for example,sterile water or other fluids such as perfluorocarbons, havingrelatively high liquid-gas phase-change temperatures, i.e., boilingpoints, preferably temperatures well above body temperature. Inaddition, preferably the condensable vapor 12 is at a temperaturesufficient to increase the temperature of the surrounding lungparenchyma to cause damage, for example, above at least 40° C.

In one method of the invention the condensable vapor 12 additionallyincludes a detectable substance, such as a dye, preferably abiocompatible dye, to detect movement of the condensable vapor 12 andthe affected lung regions. Alternatively or in conjunction with thevisually detectable substance, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopic andother conventional visualization techniques are used to monitor thevapor treatment and resulting tissue effects during and after treatment.

In another method embodying features of the invention, the condensablevapor 12 is delivered with microparticulates. Suitable microparticulatesinclude talc, calcium carbonate, antibiotics such as tetracycline andother penicillin derivates, or other particulate substances which inducefibrosis or cause necrosis of the lung tissue.

In another method embodying features of the invention the condensablevapor 12 includes a treatment agent such as an anesthetic or painkillersto alleviate patient discomfort and pain during the treatment. Apainkiller, such as lidocane in powder or liquid form, preferably isused or mixed with a condensable vapor 12. Alternatively, pain killersmay be delivered to the entire lung, or just to the targeted lungregion. Patient preparation with pain medication before, during, andafter the procedure is preferred in order to allow treatment using thepresent invention without the need for general anesthesia.

In another method embodying features of the invention helium or carbondioxide is delivered in addition to the vapor 12 to lower thetemperature of the vapor 12.

A method of the invention includes occluding the airway of a lungproximal to the area where the condensable vapor 12 is delivered. Insome embodiments, to prevent condensable vapor from entering anddamaging adjacent airways and lung regions, the adjacent airways arefilled with a fluid, such as saline. Airways leading to untargeted lungregions may be obstructed to prevent vapor flow therein.

In one method embodying features of the invention high intensity focusedultrasound (HIFU) energy is delivered to damage lung tissue such as thetissue of an air sac or alveoli in the lung. Preferably suitableultrasound transducers that are capable of delivering high intensity.focused ultrasound (HIFU), generally between about 100-10,000 W/cm² at afocal spot.

The HIFU energy is delivered in amounts sufficient to cause contractionof lung tissue. Because HIFU can be tightly controlled, the ultrasoundenergy can be specifically targeted to the epithelium, smooth musclelayer, or collagen layer. Delivery of the HIFU energy can also serve toinitiate a healing response (including neointima hyperplasia) whichfurther serves to occlude the passageway. The method can include a waveguide to direct the HIFU sound waves to the intended treatment site.Additionally a vacuum may be applied prior the HIFU to draw down theairway or air sacs. Alternatively the vacuum may be applied afterdelivery of the HIFU energy as in the previously discussed embodiment tofurther supplement tissue contraction and collapse of the terminalbronchioles, air sacs and collateral passageways caused by introductionof the ultrasound energy.

In another embodiment, an ultrasound absorptive material, such as aliquid or gel, can be eluted into the airway of the lung. The absorptivematerial is heated by the HIFU energy in order to thermally damage thesurrounding tissue, resulting in contraction of the airway and orneointima hyperplasia, which will occlude the airway and or damage theair sacs of the lung.

In an alternative embodiment, RF energy can be delivered to a desiredlocation within a patient's lung to damage lung tissue but this usuallyrequires a conductive fluid in contact with the lung tissue foreffective ablation.

FIG. 2 depicts a system 22 embodying features of the invention includingan elongate shaft 24 having a distal portion 26 and a proximal portion28. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the elongate shaft24 and FIGS. 3A and 3B show transverse cross sectional views of theelongate shaft along the lines 3A-3A and lines 3B-3B shown in FIG. 2.The elongated shaft 24 has at least one discharge port 30 in the distalportion 26 of the shaft configured to discharge condensable vapor 12 anda vapor delivering lumen 32 disposed within the elongate shaft 24 influid communication with the discharge port 30. A vapor generator 34 isconnected to the lumen 32 of the elongate shaft.

The elongate shaft 24 also contains a vacuum lumen 36 which isconfigured to be connected to a vacuum source for application of avacuum through vacuum port 38 in the distal portion 26 of the elongateshaft.

The elongated shaft 24 is also provided with an inflation lumen 40 whichleads to the inflation port 42. Port 42 opens to the interior 44 of theinflatable balloon 46 which is secured to the distal portion 26 of theshaft. The inflation device 48 may be a conventional syringe. Theoccluding member 46 is preferably expandable, compliant, and isconfigured to prevent vapor flow proximal to the location of the member.Suitable balloon materials include silicone or latex. The exterior ofthe working surface of the inflatable balloon 46 is preferably providedwith a knurled or roughened surface to better engage the airway wallsand prevent recoil when the condensable vapor is delivered to the targetlocation.

A venting system may be included with the device to ensure that highpressure does not exceed suitable limits. The venting system includes aventing lumen 50 in the shaft 24 which is in fluid communication withthe port 52 in the distal end of the shaft 24. The venting mechanism canbe a pressure actuated relief valve 54.

The device 22 also includes a temperature sensor 56, for example athermocouple, located on the distal portion 26 of the elongate shaft 24to monitor the surrounding temperature. When the temperature is toohigh, the lung region is brought back to normal temperatures with alavage or washout procedure to facilitate removal of residual vapor.

The device 22 preferably includes a pressure sensor 58 on the distalportion 26 of the elongate shaft 24 to detect pressure within thetargeted lung region. The pressure sensor 58 communicates with apressure gauge 60 on the proximal portion 28 of the elongate shaft 24.The pressure sensing system may be tied in with the venting system toensure that preset pressure limits are not exceeded during vapordelivery. Over inflation of the target region could lead to air leaksand tears in the lung pleura.

A suitable flow meter (not shown) may be included to monitor vapor flowto the targeted region of the patient's lung.

As shown in FIG. 4 the elongate shaft 24 is configured to be deliveredthrough the working channel (not shown) of an endoscope 62, preferably abronchoscope. The working channel of the endoscope 62 is preferablybetween about 1.5 mm and 3.5 mm. The endoscope 62 is connected to anendoscope controller 64 and an endoscope monitor 66. Preferably, thedistal portion 26 of the elongate shaft 24 is flexible to facilitateadvancement of the elongate shaft in the working channel of theendoscope 62, while the proximal portion 28 is sufficiently rigid forgood pushability of the shaft through and out of a distal opening of theendoscope. The distal portion 26 of the shaft 24 is about 1-6 French,the occluding balloon when inflated is larger than the working channelof the endoscope and is typically about 8 French. A suitable endoscopeis the Olympus LF-TP bronchoscope.

Alternatively or in addition to the use of the occluding member 46,airways adjacent the delivery airway can be obstructed, for example,with a fluid such as saline. The fluid in the adjacent airways preventscondensable vapor 12 from entering into other lung regions which are nottargeted for treatment and prevents damage of the adjacent regions.

Preferably the vapor generator 34, as shown in FIG. 5A, is external tothe elongate shaft 24 and stores the liquid supply. The vapor generator34 has an outer housing 72 which houses internal structures including aliquid chamber 74 and an inner vapor conduit 76. Liquid may be loadeddirectly into the liquid chamber. The inner vapor conduit 76 extendsfrom the liquid chamber 74 of the vapor generator 34 to the proximalportion 28 of the first lumen 32 and receives the condensable vapor 12from the liquid chamber 74 a via an inlet port 78. The vapor generator34 couples to the elongate shaft 24 via a luer fitting or similarmechanism. The liquid chamber 74 has heating elements such as resistiveheating elements, or a RF heater or the like for vaporizing liquidinside the liquid chamber to a condensable vapor. When the liquid isvaporized, the vapor travels from the liquid chamber 74 through theinner vapor conduit 76 and exits into the proximal portion of the vaporlumen 32 of the elongate shaft 24 of the device.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5B the vapor generator includes acartridge compartment 80 which receives a cartridge 82 in fluidcommunication with the lumen 32 and containing a predetermined amount ofliquid for vaporizing. The cartridge 82 is configured to preferablysnap-fit into the compartment 80. When the vapor generator 34 isactivated the fluid in the cartridge 82 is heated to a vapor. Thecondensable vapor 12 is then delivered to the proximal end of the firstlumen 32. A predetermined volume or amount of vapor pressure to bedelivered to a patient's lung 10 can be determined or calculated basedon diagnostic evaluations or parameters of the patient before thetreatment procedure, such as forced expiratory volume (FEV) or otherlung function and capacity indicators.

In one embodiment, the vapor generator 34, as shown in FIG. 5C has aninner vapor conduit 76 which extends into a generator tube 84. Thegenerator tube 84 connects to a pistol grip handle 86 which isconfigured to couple to the proximal portion 28 of the elongate shaft.The pistol grip handle 86 can be used to activate heating of the vapor12 within the liquid chamber 74 of the vapor generator 34. Thecondensable vapor travels from the vapor generator 34 to the pistol grip86 and into the elongate shaft 24.

Alternatively, the vapor generator 34 can be disposed within theelongate shaft 24. The heating elements, for example an RF electrode oremitter such as a helical coil, may be embedded within the wall of theshaft, surrounding the lumen 32. The heater may be used as analternative to the vapor generator 34 or to augment or further controlthe temperature of the vapor leaving the discharge port 30 from lumen32.

Preferably, the elongate shaft 24 of the device 22 is heat insulated toavoid overheating of the elongate shaft 24 inside the endoscope 62. Inone embodiment the elongate shaft 24 contains a liquid lumen (not shown)and a cooling fluid is delivered within this lumen to preventoverheating.

The condensable vapor 12 is a substance which is capable of rapidlyheating a region of the lung to render the target region non-functioningwhere there is little or no blood flow or air flow within the region.Suitable condensable vapors 12 are selected from the group consisting ofcondensable vapors from aqueous based fluids, for example, sterilewater, saline, contrast fluid, and other fluids such asperfluorocarbons, liquid antibiotics, and other liquids having highliquid-gas phase-change temperatures, i.e., boiling point, preferablyabove body temperature. In addition preferably the condensable vapor 12is at a temperature sufficient to increase the temperature of the tissueat the target site to cause tissue damage.

In another embodiment of the invention the condensable vapor 12 includesa detectable substance, such as a dye or a biocompatible dye, to allowthe physician to visually track progress of treatment and which lungregions have been treated. Alternatively or in conjunction with thevisually detectable material, diagnostic ultrasound, endoscopic andother conventional visualization techniques are used to monitor thecondensable vapor treatment and resulting tissue effects during andafter treatment.

In yet another embodiment the condensable vapor 12 comprises a treatmentagent such as a pain-numbing substance or painkillers to alleviatepatient discomfort and pain during the treatment. A painkiller, such aslidocane in aqueous powder or liquid form, preferably is used or mixedwith a condensable vapor 12. Alternatively pain killers are delivered tothe entire lung, or the targeted lung region. Preferably patientpreparation with pain medication before, during, and after the procedureis preferred in order to allow treatment using the present inventionwithout the need for general anesthesia. The device can include a drugdelivery lumen in fluid communication with a drug delivery port in thedistal portion of the elongate shaft. Painkillers or other drugs can bedelivered to the desired area through the optional drug delivery lumen.

In yet another embodiment the elongate shaft 24 of device 22 has ahelium or carbon dioxide delivery lumen (not shown) for deliveringhelium or carbon dioxide in addition to the vapor 12 to lower thetemperature of the condensable vapor 12.

While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be apparent that various modifications andimprovements can be made to the invention. Moreover, individual featuresof embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not inothers, but those skilled in the art will recognize that individualfeatures of one embodiment of the invention can be combined with any orall the features of another embodiment. Accordingly, it is not intendedthat the invention be limited to the specific embodiments illustrated.It is therefore intended that this invention be defined by the scope ofthe appended claims as broadly as the prior art will permit.

Terms such as “element”, “member”, “device”, “section”, “portion”,“component”, “means”, “steps” and words of similar import when usedherein shall not be construed as invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C §112(6) unless the following claims expressly use the terms “means” or“step” followed by a particular function without reference to a specificstructure or action. All patents and all patent applications referred toabove are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

1.-7. (canceled)
 8. A method for ablating a lung nodule comprising:navigating a vapor delivery catheter to a location proximal a targetedregion encompassing the lung nodule; and delivering a condensable vaporfrom the delivery catheter into the targeted region sufficient to ablatethe lung nodule.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein the step of deliveringcomprises delivering a predetermined amount of the condensable vapor tothe targeted region.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the predeterminedamount of condensable vapor comprises a biocompatible dye.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 further comprising detecting or monitoring theablation by visually observing the dye moving in the targeted region.12. The method of claim 8, further comprising applying a focusedablation energy to the targeted region.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the focused ablation energy comprises HIFU.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising occluding an airway proximal to the areawhere the condensable vapor is delivered and such that the condensablevapor flows throughout the targeted region.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein the targeted region comprises segmental bronchi andsub-segmental bronchi.
 16. The method of claim 8, further comprisingdelivering a patient preparation medication into the targeted region viasaid delivery catheter before delivering the condensable vapor.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the patient preparation medication is apain-killer or numbing substance.
 18. The method of claim 8, wherein thelung nodule is cancerous.
 19. The method of claim 8, comprising applyingRF ablation to the targeted region.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising delivering a conductive fluid to the targeted region foreffective ablation.
 21. The method of claim 8, further comprisingapplying vacuum to the targeted region.
 22. A vapor delivery systemcomprising: a vapor generator.
 23. The system of claim 22, furthercomprising a vapor delivery catheter.
 24. The system of claim 22,wherein the vapor generator comprises a portable vapor cartridge. 25.The system of claim 23, further comprising a pistol shaped handle.
 26. Avapor generator comprising a heating element.